Band 8a Principal Clinical Scientist

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Band 8a Principal Clinical Scientist

The closing date is 25 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist to join our Biochemistry team at UHB which includes 3 Consultant Clinical Scientists, 2 Consultant Chemical Pathologist, 4 Principal Clinical Scientists, 11 Senior Clinical Scientists and 3 STPs. We have excellent links with the University of Birmingham, are involved STP training and have a proven record in supporting our team to complete the FRCPath exams.

This is a permanent post following the promotion of the current post holder.

The Biochemistry department is strong clinically and analytically providing a wide range of services. There are automation laboratories across three hospital sites (Heartlands, Good Hope and Queen Elizabeth Hospital), with the automation laboratories at QE and Heartlands sites being large, state of the art services fitted with Abbott pre-analytics, Alinity platforms and tracks.

The post holder will primarily work in automation on the QEH site, however a degree of cross site working is expected. They will be required to liaise closely with the Head BMS, Operations Managers and Consultant Clinical Scientist to provide high quality analysis over an extensive repertoire. They will be expected to play a significant part in developing, growing and optimising the service and manage EQA for the whole of automation.

The post holder will participate in the duty biochemist rota.

To discuss the post or arrange a visit contact Dr Rachel Webster  

Working with the HBMS, Operations Manager, fellow Principal Clinical Scientist and Consultant Clinical scientist, the post holder will provide day to day clinical oversight of the automation laboratory, to deliver a safe and appropriate service for the patients we serve. They will manage a team of senior clinical scientists to ensure our key deliverables are met.

There will be opportunity to conduct and supervise R&D and to contribute to training and development of all professions within the department.

The post holder will also manage the EQA schemes for the automation service.

The post holder will be expected to participate in the duty biochemist rota and work across all sites, as required.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people.

As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

* Please Note :
For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*

• 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a closely related science
• State registration as a clinical scientist with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Evidence of continuing professional development and proficiency in accordance with HCPC guidelines
• FRCPath Part 1
• PhD in a relevant area of science
• MSc in Clinical Biochemistry or equivalent
• Full FRCPath by examination

• Substantial experience as a clinical scientist in a large laboratory covering an extensive range of tests
• Previous experience in audit, research and development, method/equipment appraisal and evaluation, management of a specialist or routine service
• Advanced specialist knowledge of clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine
• Advanced knowledge of automation techniques
• Awareness of the political and cultural aspects of the NHS
• Awareness of clinical governance and risk management
• Awareness of laboratory health and safety
• Awareness and experience of laboratory accreditation standards

• Effective communication skills, both written and oral
• Numerate and able to undertake scientific calculations
• Ability to work in a team
• Manage workload effectively when the workload is unpredictable and there are competing demands (medical emergency)
• Effective logical thought processes and the ability to solve problems and plan remedial action
• Effective organizational, planning and time management skills
• Punctual and reliable
• A good team player
• Respectful of all grades of staff
• Ability to work across all sites
• Ability to work Saturday mornings as part of a rota.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a…